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Misconceptions About Sensitive Skin

What does it mean to have sensitive skin? For many, this overarching, and often vague, term can mean a number of things and cause some confusion. You may have asked, “Are there different types of sensitive skin?”, “Should everyone with sensitive use the same products?” The answers are that there are different types of sensitive skin, that only a dermatologist can confirm if you do have sensitive skin, and that only your doctor can determine which types of products are best to help your skin reach optimal health.

There are many skin conditions that can include aspects of sensitive skin — acne, rosacea and contact dermatitis (due to allergies and irritants) — and they all have one characteristic in common: inflammation1. To determine which type of sensitive skin you have, your skin care physician looks at several indicators, including the following conditions2:

Skin reactions such as pustules, skin bumps, or skin erosion

Very dry skin which doesn’t properly protect nerve endings in the skin

A tendency toward blushing and skin flushing

In addition to a number of skin reactions that signify sensitive skin, there are also a number of contributors. Causes of sensitive skin include1:

Excessive exposure to skin-damaging environmental factors such as sun and wind, or excessive heat or cold

Genetic factors, age, gender, and race differences in skin sensitivity are less well-defined but still may play a role in the severity of skin reactions

Each sensitive skin concern has its own treatment. That’s why working with a professional to determine which type of sensitive skin you have is so important. As you and your skin care physician work to address your sensitive skin, there are certain ingredients you should be aware of that can help calm sensitive skin and some ingredients you should avoid.

Sensitive skin care DOs:

UseKinetin and Zeatin synthetic forms of plant growth factors found in our Gentle Rejuvenation System*, which is specifically designed for for some types of sensitive skin. Kinetin and Zeatin are proven to gently, yet effectively, help rejuvenate the appearance of aging skin.

Use natural ingredients such as oatmeal to protect and soothe skin; and other calming ingredients including licorice extract, caffeine, chamomile1.

*The Obagi Gentle Rejuvenation System is not intended to treat the underlying conditions that may result in sensitive skin.

Sensitive skin care DON’Ts:

Avoid scents. Added fragrances can irritate the skin.

Avoid self-medicating. A helpful ingredient for one type of sensitivity may irritate another. Ensure you know which type of sensitive skin you have before using any of the suggested ingredients to treat your condition.

The first step in dealing with your sensitive skin is to visit your skin care physician. Obagi's Gentle Rejuvenation System is our first system specifically designed for sensitive skin. Packed with gentle yet potent ingredients, including Kinetin and Zeatin, the Gentle Rejuvenation System contains essential products to cleanse and calm some types sensitive skin – ask your physician if it’s right for you.

In addition to a skin care regimen designed to treat your sensitive skin, be sure that you are using non-irritating cosmetics, protecting your skin against harsh elements, especially the sun, and avoiding foods or fabrics that may further irritate your skin.

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Obagi Systems and Products are physician-dispensed and should be used only under the guidance of your skin care physician. Please be advised that certain products have limited distribution and may not be available in your area. Please contact your Obagi skin care physician for more information.

Important Safety Information for Obagi Nu-Derm Clear and Blender®

(contains 4% hydroquinone)

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
People with prior history of sensitivity or allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients should not use it. The safety of topical hydroquinone use during pregnancy or in children (12 years and under) has not been established.

WARNINGS:
Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth, or lips. In case of accidental contact, patient should rinse eyes, nose, mouth, or lips with water and contact physician.

Sunscreen use is an essential aspect of hydroquinone therapy because even minimal sunlight exposure sustains melanocytic activity.

Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people.

PRECAUTIONS (ALSO SEE WARNINGS):
Treatment should be limited to relatively small areas of the body at one time since some patients experience a transient skin reddening and a mild burning sensation, which does not preclude treatment.

Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical hydroquinone. It is also not known whether hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when used topically on a pregnant woman or affect reproductive capacity. It is not known to what degree, if any, topical hydroquinone is absorbed systemically. Topical hydroquinone should be used on pregnant women only when clearly indicated.

Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether topical hydroquinone is absorbed or excreted in human milk. Caution is advised when topical hydroquinone is used by a nursing mother.

Pediatric Usage: Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 12 years have not been established.

Use of the product should be discontinued if hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients is noted.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
People with prior history of sensitivity or allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients should not use it. The safety of topical hydroquinone use during pregnancy or in children (12 years and under) has not been established.

WARNINGS:
Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth, or lips. In case of accidental contact, patient should rinse eyes, nose, mouth, or lips with water and contact physician.

Sunscreen use is an essential aspect of hydroquinone therapy because even minimal sunlight exposure sustains melanocytic activity.

Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people.

PRECAUTIONS (ALSO SEE WARNINGS):
Treatment should be limited to relatively small areas of the body at one time since some patients experience a transient skin reddening and a mild burning sensation, which does not preclude treatment.

Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical hydroquinone. It is also not known whether hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when used topically on a pregnant woman or affect reproductive capacity. It is not known to what degree, if any, topical hydroquinone is absorbed systemically. Topical hydroquinone should be used on pregnant women only when clearly indicated.

Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether topical hydroquinone is absorbed or excreted in human milk. Caution is advised when topical hydroquinone is used by a nursing mother.

Pediatric Usage: Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 12 years have not been established.

Use of the product should be discontinued if hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients is noted.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
People with prior history of sensitivity or allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients should not use it. The safety of topical hydroquinone use during pregnancy or in children (12 years and under) has not been established.

WARNINGS:
Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth, or lips. In case of accidental contact, patient should rinse eyes, nose, mouth, or lips with water and contact physician.

Sunscreen use is an essential aspect of hydroquinone therapy because even minimal sunlight exposure sustains melanocytic activity.

Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people.

PRECAUTIONS (ALSO SEE WARNINGS):
Treatment should be limited to relatively small areas of the body at one time since some patients experience a transient skin reddening and a mild burning sensation, which does not preclude treatment.

Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical hydroquinone. It is also not known whether hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when used topically on a pregnant woman or affect reproductive capacity. It is not known to what degree, if any, topical hydroquinone is absorbed systemically. Topical hydroquinone should be used on pregnant women only when clearly indicated.

Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether topical hydroquinone is absorbed or excreted in human milk. Caution is advised when topical hydroquinone is used by a nursing mother.

Pediatric Usage: Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 12 years have not been established.

Use of the product should be discontinued if hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients is noted.